2026 WINNERS
The winners of the 2026 Motor Transport Awards were announced on 9 September at the Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane, London.
Safety in Operation Award
Partnered with Motia
WINNER: Menzies Distribution Solutions
Menzies Distribution Solutions transformed safety performance through cultural change, improved reporting, enhanced training and investment in technology. By embedding safety into every level of the organisation, the business achieved record improvements in injury reduction, accident prevention and colleague engagement, demonstrating exceptional leadership and commitment to long-term operational excellence.
Customer Care Award
Partnered with Pall-Ex Group
WINNER: Ketra Logistics
Ketra Logistics has embedded customer care throughout its business through a culture focused on service excellence, accountability and responsiveness. Strong operational performance, long-term customer relationships and consistently high delivery standards have earned industry recognition, while customer-led KPIs and trusted partnerships demonstrate sustained commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Home Delivery Operator of the Year
Partnered with MB Energy
WINNER: Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms
Wren Kitchens operates a vertically integrated home delivery network, completing more than 145,000 deliveries annually with exceptional service standards. Strong investment in driver training, safety, technology and sustainability has delivered industry-leading performance, high customer satisfaction and improved efficiency, while maintaining a strong focus on employee wellbeing and development.
Partnership Award
Partnered with northstarr
WINNER: Welch Group & British Antarctic Survey
Welch Group and the British Antarctic Survey have developed a long-standing partnership that combines specialist logistics expertise with ambitious sustainability goals. By replacing diesel journeys with electric HGVs and implementing wider decarbonisation measures, the collaboration has transformed Antarctic supply chain operations, delivering measurable environmental benefits while maintaining exceptional service and reliability.
Specialist Operator of the Year
Partnered with AS 24
WINNER: BCA Automotive
BCA Automotive is a leading UK vehicle logistics specialist, delivering 2.1 million vehicles annually through a fleet of more than 1,000 transporters. The company combines operational flexibility, high service levels, sustainability leadership and innovation in electric and alternative-fuel transport, while maintaining strong customer partnerships and industry-leading safety standards.
Sustainable Transport Award
Partnered with Scania UK
WINNER: Gist
Gist has embedded sustainability at the core of its operations, aligning its strategy with Marks & Spencer’s Plan A programme and commitment to achieve net zero across its value chain by 2040. Investment in alternative fuels, operational efficiency and employee engagement is complemented by strong community initiatives, food redistribution and ESG governance, demonstrating how environmental responsibility, social impact and operational excellence can be successfully combined.
Low Carbon Award
Partnered with Fraikin
WINNER: Nicholls Transport - EH Nicholls Jnr
Nicholls Transport - EH Nicholls Jnr has demonstrated outstanding commitment to decarbonisation through investment in renewable energy, LNG vehicles, biomethane and electric trucks. Combining sustainable infrastructure, alternative fuel innovation and long-term environmental leadership, the company has achieved significant emissions reductions while establishing a practical roadmap towards carbon-neutral road transport.
Innovation Award
Partnered with Harris MAXUS
WINNER: sopp+sopp
sopp+sopp developed FleetScout, an innovative platform combining AI-powered vehicle inspections, damage detection and fleet management into a single system. Created in partnership with Tesco, it improves compliance, safety and operational visibility while reducing damage-related costs and accidents. The scalable solution delivers measurable savings and strong benefits for fleet operators.
Haulier of the Year
Partnered with Volvo Trucks UK & Ireland
WINNER: Buffaload Logistics
Buffaload has combined strong commercial growth with outstanding service performance and sustainability leadership in temperature-controlled logistics. Investment in LNG vehicles, renewable fuel infrastructure and carbon-negative biofuel supports decarbonisation, while strategic acquisitions, operational efficiency and a national network have strengthened resilience, capacity and customer service.
Business Excellence Award
Partnered with Hireco
WINNER: Pallet-Track
Pallet-Track demonstrated outstanding business excellence through strong financial growth, network investment and operational innovation. Significant expansion, including a new 21-acre hub, improved efficiency and service quality. Combined with sustainability initiatives, community engagement and shareholder support, the business delivered measurable value, market growth and long-term success.
Operational Excellence Award
Partnered with Palletforce
WINNER: Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms
Wren Kitchens has created a highly controlled transport operation through direct fleet ownership, investment in people and rigorous compliance standards. Backed by significant growth, advanced planning technology and extensive driver development, the business delivers outstanding operational performance, safety, efficiency and customer service while supporting long-term sustainable expansion.
Future Fleets Award
Partnered with MAN Truck and Bus UK
WINNER: Welch Group
Welch Group is pioneering the future of freight through investment in electric HGVs, megawatt charging, autonomous vehicle trials, AI-enabled operations and smart energy systems. By generating real-world data, influencing national policy and sharing lessons across the industry, the company is helping accelerate the transition to sustainable transport.
Livery of the Year
Partnered with Lawrence David
WINNER: XPO Logistics & Saint-Gobain
XPO Logistics & Saint-Gobain’s School Vehicle Safety Programme transformed fleet livery into a road safety education platform, using highly visible vehicle branding to promote awareness of HGV blind spots among schoolchildren. The initiative delivers measurable community benefits, supports ESG objectives and demonstrates how transport operations can create meaningful social value beyond their core purpose.
Fleet Truck of the Year
Partnered with Texaco
WINNER: Mercedes-Benz Actros L ProCabin
The Mercedes-Benz ProCabin Actros was recognised for outstanding fuel efficiency, strong driver acceptance, cab comfort and advanced MirrorCam technology. Significant improvements in dealer support and parts availability have restored operator confidence, reinforcing Mercedes-Benz’s position as a leading force in the UK fleet truck market.
Contract Hire and Leasing Provider of the Year
Partnered with Kumho Tyre UK
WINNER: NRG Riverside
NRG Riverside is a specialist contract hire provider delivering tailored fleet solutions for public and commercial sector customers. Through sustained investment, strong customer retention, nationwide service coverage and leadership in fleet decarbonisation, the company combines operational reliability, innovation and sustainability to provide long-term value and trusted partnerships.
New Talent Development Award
Partnered with Commercial Motor
Apprentice of the Year
WINNER: Darcica Logistics
Darcica Logistics has built a strong people-focused culture centred on recruitment, training and wellbeing. Through funded HGV licence programmes, apprenticeships, wellbeing initiatives and community engagement, the company has successfully developed new talent, supported career progression and created an inclusive workplace, delivering remarkable growth while addressing industry skills shortages.
Training Award
Partnered with The National Logistics Academy
WINNER: Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms
Wren Kitchens & Bedrooms transformed its transport training through a fully integrated in-house academy designed to support growth, enhance compliance and create a sustainable talent pipeline. Combining apprenticeships, specialist qualifications and industry accreditation, the programme has delivered exceptional results, strengthening operational performance while developing the next generation of transport professionals.
Team of the Year
Partnered with HIAB
WINNER: S & R Smith and Sons Project Team
The S & R Smith and Son Project Team successfully integrated the business into the Lockwood Group, combining operational, cultural and technological change while maintaining customer service and employee engagement. Through collaboration, innovation and strong leadership, the team delivered significant business growth, improved efficiency and a remarkable turnaround from loss to profitability.
Best Use of Technology Award
Partnered with Hankook Tyre UK
WINNER: Explore
Explore developed Insight, a bespoke digital platform that centralises compliance, documentation and operational information into a single accessible system. Using QR-code technology, it provides instant access to critical data, improves communication, reduces administration and enhances safety, efficiency and operational control across complex logistics and transport environments.
Service to Industry Award
Partnered with Aquarius IT
WINNER: Andrew Malcolm, Malcolm Logistics
Andrew Malcolm MBE has demonstrated outstanding service to the transport industry through decades of leadership, innovation and advocacy. As group CEO of Malcolm Group, he has championed efficiency, sustainability and collaboration, helping shape industry policy while delivering customer value and supporting the long-term success of the wider haulage sector.